The energy sector is undergoing a revolution. Entire nations and global industries are rethinking how they produce and consume energy, and this change is creating a ripple effect that energy-intensive industries, such as manufacturing, are feeling acutely.
With greater attention to methods of energy production and consumption, as well as the changing regulatory environment, it is difficult for organizations to know what to do or how to plug themselves into this changing dynamic.
Amidst all this change, four things are clear:
- The direction of the energy transition is toward a cleaner future.
- Management of energy consumption and manufacturing efficiency is fundamental to business performance.
- Employees, customers, and communities share a growing expectation that manufacturers are sustainability-focused.
- There is a business opportunity to join this transition.
There are regional resources and support to help address the changing dynamics and to transition successfully.
Northwest Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC) is a not-for-profit organization that serves small and mid-sized manufacturers throughout northwest and north-central Pennsylvania. Through a private and public partnership business model, NWIRC is driven by the impact our consulting and customized training solutions have on our client’s business, the manufacturing industry, and our regional economy. We help manufacturers achieve and sustain top and bottom-line growth through the implementation of next-generation manufacturing strategies, world-class improvement methodologies and best practices, advanced manufacturing technologies, and customized workforce training and skill development programs. NWIRC was created in 1988 as part of a state-wide initiative and is one of seven Industrial Resource Centers (IRC) that serve manufacturers throughout Pennsylvania and make up the PA Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).
In 2024, NWIRC joined other Pennsylvania IRCs and MEPs in Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York in a collaborative effort to assist Appalachian Region manufacturers move forward with Greener Factory initiatives and to capitalize on opportunities within Clean Energy markets.
Greener Factory strategies help manufacturing companies to proceed down the energy transition pathway with efficient energy practices, practical emissions reduction strategies, and tools for more efficient operations. These practices are fundamental to business performance and there is a clear business opportunity to join this transition. No matter where an organization is on its journey toward efficiency and opportunity, continuing education is essential, and NWIRC’s Clean Energy Manufacturing in Appalachia (CEMA) program is available to support you.
- How can NWIRC’s CEMA program help Appalachian Region manufacturers?
The problem and challenge for Appalachian Region manufacturers is that, while the opportunities for greener factories, supply chain expansion, and good jobs are tremendous, most manufacturers in this region are based in traditional industry sectors, far behind the curve on green manufacturing and smart energy approaches, disconnected from new energy economy supply chains, unaware about how new federal stimulus programs will operate, unprepared to retool factories and product lines, and lacking a skilled workforce to fulfill these emerging markets. Busy manufacturers do not have the time or capacity to harness these new energy economy opportunities alone and need robust technical assistance to get there.
NWIRC, along with its CEMA partners, can help manufacturers and workers navigate the new energy economy, and help struggling energy communities be part of this diversification by providing technical assistance, training, workforce development, supply chain diversification, guidance on factory upgrades and product expansions, and other support to small and medium manufacturers in the Appalachian Region. - What types of projects are eligible for funding?
Funding support is available to Appalachian Region manufacturers looking to implement projects in one of two categories:- Implement a Greener Factory project resulting in improved energy efficiency, production efficiency, or
- Conduct Lead Generation and Business Development activities, retool factories and product lines, or build a skilled workforce to be in a better position to enter and expand in new energy economy supply chains, such as natural gas, solar, wind, hydropower, batteries, circular plastics, and other clean energy segments.
- Implement a Greener Factory project resulting in improved energy efficiency, production efficiency, or
- Is the funding a grant or loan? Is any company match required?
Funding is a mini-grant for up to 50% of the project costs (manufacturer provides at least 50% as company match) and not to exceed $10,000. Mini-grants can be used to cover soft-costs, pre-development costs, and other expenses that need to be addressed before a company launches or expands into new energy economy production and supply chains. The mini-grant is a reimbursement grant meaning the manufacturer pays for the project in full and is reimbursed the mini-grant amount after completion of the project and full payment is verified. - Are there eligibility criteria (i.e., location, business size, economic status, etc.) that a business must meet?
A manufacturer is eligible for CEMA program assistance provided the manufacturing facility is located within one of 156 counties of the CEMA initiative, has less than 500 employees at the manufacturing facility, the manufacturing company is registered in D&B with a NAICS code beginning with 31-33, and the manufacturing project sponsor agrees to complete at least two short impact surveys following completion of the project. - How does an Appalachian Region manufacturer get started?
Complete a Supply Chain Expansion and/or Greener Factory Assessment found at https://cleanenergy.mfgsupplychain.org/
For more information regarding how NWIRC can help Pennsylvania manufacturers, contact a member of HBK Manufacturing Solutions at 330-758-8613 or manufacturing@hbkcpa.com
"*" indicates required fields